Diving dry suit

ABSTRACT

Diving dry suit including a watertight first part forming, in one piece from top to bottom, a chest portion, trousers, and socks, and a separate second part forming a watertight jacket comprising an interior layer being in watertight material and comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer being also provided with cuffs at the neck and at the end of the sleeves, an exterior layer of the jacket also comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer and the exterior layer being separate entities separably fastened together at the level of at least one valve, the suit being free of any zip opening/closing system, and in that the central portion of the first part and the lower portion of the interior layer of the jacket each comprise an elastic material skirt to produce a watertight connection between the jacket and the first part.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a diving dry suit.

BACKGROUND

The invention more particularly concerns a diving dry suit including a watertight first part forming, in one watertight piece from top to bottom, a chest portion, trousers and socks, and a separate second part forming a watertight jacket.

A diving dry suit is a watertight suit that insulates the parts of the body of the user covered by the suit from the water. A dry suit is thus a watertight suit as opposed to non-watertight and non-dry diving suits and outfits that wet the skin of the wearer.

Diving dry suits generally comprise at least one valve allowing exchange of gas between the exterior of the suit and the area situated between the body of the user and the watertight part of the suit.

To guarantee watertightness, dry suits must be tightly fitted to the body of the user at the wrists and the neck. Because of their configuration, known dry suits generally include watertight zip fasteners to enable them to be put on and taken off. These watertight zip fasteners, apart from being very costly, render the suit very uncomfortable because of their stiffness. These fasteners are also difficult for the user to open and to close and the user must seek help to put on or take off these suits. Moreover, in the event of rupture while diving, these zip fasteners are liable to put the user in hazard.

The document DE3412973 describes a two-part watertight suit for water sports. This suit is not suitable for watertight diving, however, notably because the watertightness of the joint between the trousers and the jacket is not very satisfactory and also because exchange of gas between the watertight part and the exterior of the suit (pressure regulation) is impossible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to alleviate some or all of the drawbacks of the prior art referred to above.

To this end, in accordance with the invention, which in other respects conforms to the generic definition thereof given in the above preamble, is essentially characterized in that the jacket comprises an interior layer and an exterior layer, the interior layer being in watertight material and comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer being also provided with watertight cuffs at the level of the neck and at the level of the end of the sleeves, the exterior layer of the jacket also comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer and the exterior layer being separate entities separably fastened together at the level of at least one valve allowing transfer of gas between on the one hand the space between the body of the user and the interior layer and on the other hand the exterior of the suit, the suit being free of any watertight zip opening/closing system, and in that the central portion of the first part and the lower portion of the interior layer of the jacket each comprise an elastic waterproof material skirt to allow their conjoint watertight rolling so as to produce a watertight connection between the jacket and the first part.

Such a suit can thus be put on and taken off easily by the user whilst guaranteeing good watertightness.

In particular, the structure of the jacket comprising two separate layers fastened together makes it possible to decouple the functions of watertightness (provided by the interior layer) and mechanical wear protection (provided by the exterior layer).

Embodiments of the invention may moreover include one or more of the following features:

the jacket comprises a one-way inlet valve for selectively admitting gas outside the suit between the body of the user and the interior layer, the jacket also comprising a one-way air outlet valve for evacuating to the exterior of the suit gas situated between the body of the user and the interior layer, said valves being fastened to the interior layer of the jacket at the level of respective orifices formed in the interior layer and in that the exterior layer of the jacket comprises respective orifices for the valves to pass through;

the valves are demountably attached to the exterior layer of the jacket;

the first part is composed of at least one of the following materials: cellular neoprene faced with jersey on both sides, a textile canvas coated with polyurethane and/or polyurethane-PVC, a triple-layer comprising butyl and nylon and/or polyester and/or butyl, such as water-repellent Cordura®;

the first part is composed of cellular neoprene having a thickness between 2 and 8 mm faced on both sides with a 0.3 to 1.2 mm layer of jersey;

the elastic watertight material skirts of the first part and the interior layer of the jacket have lengths between 15 and 40 cm and are composed of at least one of the following materials: rubber, neoprene, latex;

the watertight cuffs at the neck and at the ends of the arms of the interior layer of the jacket are composed of at least one of the following materials: latex, neoprene, rubber;

the neck of the exterior layer of the jacket is composed of at least one of the following materials: latex, neoprene;

the suit comprises a hood fastened to the neck or selectively attachable to the neck;

the jacket comprises a ventral belt fastened to the exterior layer of the jacket and adjustable via an adjustable clamping system;

the upper end of the first part comprises areas adjustable in length at the level of the shoulders;

the first part comprises at least one pocket and/or at least one ring for attaching a carabiner,

the first part comprises at least one reinforcement area at the level of the knees comprising an exterior layer composed of rubber and/or polyurethane,

the exterior layer of the jacket comprises a reinforcement area at the level of the elbows and/or at the level of the shoulders and composed of rubber and/or polyurethane.

In particular, the assembly of the interior and exterior layers at the level of the valve or valves of the jacket provides adequate retention of the jacket on the body of the user. This assembly of the interior and exterior layers may if necessary be selectively removable to allow replacement of only one of the two layers.

This configuration of the sleeveless first part and of the jacket with valves enables the user to put on and take off each of the two parts separately anyway, without necessitating watertight zip fasteners.

The invention may also concern any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or following features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other particular features and advantages will become apparent on reading the following description given with reference to the figures in which:

FIG. 1 represents a diagrammatic partial perspective view illustrating a first part of the watertight suit according to one example of the invention,

FIG. 2 represents a diagrammatic partial perspective view illustrating the two layers of a second part of the watertight suit in a separated configuration,

FIG. 3 represents a diagrammatic partial perspective view illustrating the second part of the watertight suit in which the interior and exterior layers are in an assembled configuration,

FIG. 4 represents a diagrammatic partial view in section illustrating the junction of the two layers of the second part of the suit at the level of a gas valve,

FIG. 5 represents a diagrammatic partial view in section illustrating an example of the structure of the first part of the suit,

FIG. 6 represents a diagrammatic partial view in section illustrating an example of the structure of the interior layer of the second part of the suit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, the watertight diving dry suit comprises two parts 2, 3. A first part 2 includes, in one watertight piece from top to bottom: a chest portion 12, trousers 22 and socks 32. The chest portion 12 preferably has no sleeves, i.e. forms a “tank top”.

This first part 2 is put on and taken off via the upper end. The chest portion 12 preferably comprises at least one area 42 of adjustable length at the level of the shoulders. For example, the dorsal and ventral parts of the chest portion 12 include at the level of each shoulder a repositionable system of hooks and loops (for example of the “Velcro”® type). This enables adjustment of the first part 2 to the size of the user and also if necessary enlargement of the opening for putting on/taking off the first part 2 of the suit.

This first part 2 is for example composed of cellular neoprene with a thickness of 2 to 7 mm, for example as a function of the required thermal insulation, faced with jersey on both sides. Neoprene may be replaced by a textile such as coated canvas or a tri-laminate comprising butyl sandwiched between layers of polyester or nylon, for example.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of such a structure of the first part 2 with a layer 6 of neoprene from 2 to 7 mm thick sandwiched between two layers 7 of jersey from 0.5 to 2 mm thick.

One or more pockets 52 of neoprene 3 mm thick may be provided on the trousers 22, for example at the level of the thighs. The pocket or pockets 52 may be provided with an eyelet and/or a ring 62 and/or a carabiner.

The trousers 22 may also include a reinforcement at the level of each knee, for example in polyurethane and/or rubber and/or any other appropriate material that can protect this part.

The first part 2 includes at the level of the waist a skirt 72 forming a belt. This belt has a height of thirty centimetres, for example. This skirt 72 is in neoprene and/or in elastic rubber, for example. The upper part of the skirt 72 is stuck and/or sewn around the waist of the trousers over a height of a few centimetres (for example two centimetres).

Designed hydrodynamically to facilitate movement through water, the first part 2 and notably the trousers 22 are produced in high-density four millimetre (i.e. between 2 mm and 8 mm) neoprene, for example. This type of material is light and flexible.

The second part 3 forms a jacket comprising an interior layer 13 (next to the body) and an exterior layer 23 (over the interior layer). These two layers (or envelopes) 13, 23 are preferably removable from each other.

The interior layer 13 is composed of polyurethane canvas faced with polar fleece type fabric (cf. FIG. 6, for example, with the polar fleece fabric 8 on the same side as the skin of the user and the polyurethane layer 9 on the other side). The interior part 13 preferably comprises watertight cuffs 113 at the neck and 213 at the wrists, in latex and/or neoprene, for example, and possibly a hood 33, which is preferably watertight.

The hood 33 is fastened to the neck 113 (or collar), for example, although the hood 33 may obviously be separate from the neck 113 and provided with attachment members for attaching it to the neck (collar) 113 in a watertight or non-watertight manner.

The lower part of the interior layer 13 also includes a watertight skirt 313. This skirt 313 comprises neoprene and/or rubber, for example. The skirt 313 has a length of thirty centimetres, for example. The upper part of the skirt is stuck or sewn, for example, so that the watertight seal between the first part 2 and the second part 3 may be produced by pressing the two skirts 313, 72 together and rolling them as far as the waist of the trousers 22.

The exterior layer 23 is composed of coated canvas (notably coated polyester), for example, to protect the interior part 13 of the jacket 3 from abrasion. The exterior layer 23 preferably has a neck, in neoprene, for example.

Similarly, the exterior layer 23 preferably has reinforcements at the level of the shoulders 323 and at the level of the elbows 223. The exterior layer 23 is preferably provided with a belt 423 about ten centimetres high, for example. This belt 423 is composed of neoprene, for example, and may be adjustable by a repositionable system such as Velcro® (for example on each side) or any other adjustable gripping system.

The exterior layer 23 is in removable CORDURA® type fabric to provide protection, for example. For greater strength, the interior seams of the suit are preferably vulcanized.

The second part 3 (jacket) preferably comprises an inlet valve 4 and an outlet valve 5.

The inlet valve 4 is situated at the level of the thorax, for example. The inlet valve 4 preferably has a one-way (check valve) structure to admit selectively gas outside the suit between the body of the user and the watertight interior layer 13. The outlet valve 5 is situated at the level of one arm, for example. This outlet valve 5 preferably has a one-way (check valve) structure for selective evacuation to the exterior of the suit of gas situated between the body of the user and the interior layer 13.

The valves 4, 5 are fastened to the interior layer 13 of the jacket 3 in watertight manner at the level of respective orifices 413, 513 formed in the interior layer 13. The exterior layer 23 of the jacket preferably comprises respective orifices 423, 523 for the valves 4, 5 to pass through and enabling fastening of the exterior layer 23 (cf. for example FIG. 4).

The suit of the invention has a novel structure in two parts 2, 3.

The first part 2 is in watertight materials and the second part 3 (jacket) is composed of two flexible fabrics, one (interior layer 13) providing watertightness, the other (exterior layer 23) providing strength.

The watertight parts are preferably high-frequency welded to preserve watertightness and are preferably provided with impermeable watertight tapes stuck on at the joints.

This allows the user to dress and undress on their own. This structure moreover offers the diver the possibility of putting on only the first part 2 and putting on the second part (jacket) 3 only at the moment of diving.

The judicious combination of neoprene and textile procures unrivalled comfort and ease as well as high resistance to abrasion and snagging.

The absence of closures at the top of the body combined with the flexible canvas provides great freedom of movement at the level of the jacket 3. The design of the first part 2 entirely covering the chest enables movements of air to be minimized for improved stabilization; whatever the position of the diver, there is no immediate transfer of air into the legs.

It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments in the examples given above. 

1-11. (canceled)
 12. Diving dry suit comprising a watertight first part (2) forming, in one watertight piece from top to bottom, a chest portion (12), trousers (22) and socks (32), and a separate second part forming a watertight jacket (3), wherein the watertight jacket (3) comprises an interior layer (13) and an exterior layer (23), the interior layer (13) being in watertight material and comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer (13) being also provided with watertight cuffs (113, 213) at the neck and at the end of the sleeves, the exterior layer (23) of the watertight jacket (3) also comprising a chest portion and long sleeves, the interior layer (13) and the exterior layer (23) being separate entities separably fastened together at the level of at least one valve (4, 5) allowing transfer of gas between the space between the body of the user and the interior layer (23) and the exterior of the suit, the suit being free of any watertight zip opening/closing system, and in that the central portion of the first part (2) and the lower portion of the interior layer (13) of the jacket (3) each comprise an elastic waterproof material skirt (72, 313) to allow their conjoint watertight rolling so as to produce a watertight connection between the jacket (3) and the first part (2).
 13. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the watertight jacket (3) further comprises a one-way inlet valve (4) for selectively admitting gas outside the suit between the body of the user and the interior layer (13), the jacket (3) also comprising a one-way air outlet valve (5) for evacuating to the exterior of the suit gas situated between the body of the user and the interior layer (13), said valves (4, 5) being fastened to the interior layer (13) of the jacket at the level of respective orifices (413, 513) formed in the interior layer (13) and in that the exterior layer (23) of the jacket comprises respective orifices (423, 523) for the valves (4, 5) to pass through.
 14. The diving dry suit of claim 13, wherein the valves (4, 5) are demountably attached to the exterior layer (23) of the jacket (3).
 15. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the first part (2) is composed of at least one of the following materials: cellular neoprene faced with jersey on both sides, a textile canvas coated with polyurethane and/or polyurethane-PVC, a triple-layer comprising butyl and nylon and/or polyester and/or butyl-Cordura®.
 16. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the first part (2) is composed of cellular neoprene (6) having a thickness between 2 and 8 mm faced on both sides with a 0.3 to 1.2 mm layer of jersey (7).
 17. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the elastic watertight material skirts (72, 313) of the first part (2) and the interior layer (13) of the jacket (2) have lengths between 15 and 40 cm and are composed of at least one of the following materials: rubber, neoprene, latex.
 18. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the watertight cuffs (113, 213) at the neck and at the ends of the arms of the interior layer (13) of the jacket are composed of at least one of the following materials: latex, neoprene, rubber.
 19. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the neck of the exterior layer (23) of the jacket is composed of at least one of the following materials: latex, neoprene.
 20. The diving dry suit of claim 12, further comprising a hood (33) fastened to the neck or selectively attachable to the neck.
 21. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the jacket (3) comprises a ventral belt (423) fastened to the exterior layer of the jacket and adjustable via an adjustable clamping system.
 22. The diving dry suit of claim 12, wherein the upper end of the first part (2) comprises areas (42) adjustable in length at the level of the shoulders. 